it is common

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something is generally accepted or expected within a particular context. For example, "In the legal profession, it is common for attorneys to wear suits in court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is common.

The New York Times

It is common sense.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Today it is common.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is common here.

The New York Times

"Now, it is common.

The New York Times

"I think it is common sense".

The New York Times

One was that it is common.

The Economist

"It is common to catastrophise.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In New Mexico, it is common practice.

The New York Times

It is common to the Mashreq area.

Columbia University

It is common sense, isn't it?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is common" to introduce facts or situations that are widely known or observed. Ensure the context clearly specifies what is common and to whom or where it applies.

Common error

Avoid using "it is common" without providing specific context or evidence. Overgeneralizing can lead to inaccurate or misleading statements. Instead of saying "It is common for people to be late", specify "In this city, it is common for people to be late due to traffic."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is common" primarily functions as an introductory phrase to express that a particular event, situation, or characteristic is frequently observed or generally accepted. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

27%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is common" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is frequently observed, generally accepted, or widely practiced. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. While its neutral register makes it broadly useful, it's important to provide specific context to avoid overgeneralizations. Related phrases like "it is typical" and "it is frequent" offer nuanced alternatives to convey similar meanings. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "it is common" to communicate shared understandings and introduce widely recognized facts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is typical

Replaces "common" with "typical", suggesting something conforms to a standard or norm.

it is usual

Substitutes "common" with "usual", indicating something is what generally occurs or is expected.

it is frequent

Replaces "common" with "frequent", highlighting the high occurrence rate of something.

it is prevalent

Substitutes "common" with "prevalent", emphasizing the widespread nature of something.

it is widespread

Replaces "common" with "widespread", suggesting something is found or spread over a large area or group.

it is generally accepted

Expands the phrase to explicitly state that something is agreed upon or believed by most people.

it is a general practice

Focuses on the idea of a standard or customary way of doing something.

it is the norm

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression indicating something is standard or expected.

it is standard

Implies compliance to a set of rules, guidelines or requirements that are well established.

it is ordinary

Indicates the lack of exceptional or unusual traits about something. It is expected and not remarkable.

FAQs

How can I use "it is common" in a sentence?

You can use "it is common" to introduce something that frequently occurs or is widely observed. For example, "It is common knowledge that regular exercise benefits your health."

What are some alternatives to "it is common"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is typical", "it is usual", or "it is frequent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is commonly" instead of "it is common"?

While "commonly" can modify a verb, "common" typically modifies a noun or serves as a predicate adjective. "It is common" is generally the more appropriate construction.

What's the difference between "it is common" and "it is commonplace"?

"It is common" suggests something occurs frequently. "It is commonplace" implies something is so common that it is unremarkable or unoriginal. The nuance depends on the context.